Voice of Stephanie Salazar

To benefit Red Cross Relief Efforts in Hawaii, State Representative Bob Herkes, serving the Ka’u district, will host a special “Breakfast with Bob” on Wednesday, April 13, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., at the Pacific Club.

Speakers will include a representative of the American Red Cross and a resident of Kona whose life was affected by last month’s tsunami that displaced local families and caused an estimated $30 million worth of damage in Hawaii.

The last day to make reservations is Friday, April 6. For reservations, call (808) 539-3482.

From the media release:

Rep. Herkes Hosts Benefit for Red Cross Relief Efforts in Hawaii

April 13 “Breakfast with Bob” event being held to urge residents to remember their Island neighbors in times of disaster

Honolulu(March 30, 2011) — To benefit Red Cross Relief Efforts in Hawaii, State Representative Bob Herkes, 5th House District, will host a special “Breakfast with Bob” on Wednesday, April 13, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., at the Pacific Club.

Speakers will include a representative of the American Red Cross and a resident of Kona whose life was affected by last month’s tsunami that displaced local families and caused an estimated $30 million worth of damage in Hawaii.

“Relief efforts need to start at home,” Herkes said. “It’s wonderful how Hawaii’s community has banded together to support Japan and other communities around the world in recent and past year’s natural disasters. That should continue, but at the same time we also must remember and support our neighbors here in the Islands, as the Red Cross responds to disasters in Hawai‘i about every four days.

“Even now as the recovery continues, we need to be prepared for the future to ensure a quick response. Hawaii has been relatively lucky to avoid the worse of two recent tsunamis, but if it was your home, business or community that was among those severely affected, it’s a disaster to you and the lives of your family members.”

Hawaii was able to avoid fatalities from the tsunami, which hit on March 11, but the impact on businesses and families has been statewide. Two major Big Island resorts have yet to reopen, and Kona Village Resort is closed indefinitely with plans to lay off more than 200 employees. In addition to the Big Island closures and layoffs, there have been numerous “shut downs” of our harbors and parks waiting for repairs to be completed.

The last day to make reservations is Friday, April 6. For reservations, call (808) 539-3482.

Online reservations are also available at http://guest.cvent.com/d/wdq6ml/1Q